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Police have admitted they did not follow best practice after three inmates overpowered a guard and escaped from Levin court yesterday.

Only two officers were guarding four inmates - which was not ideal, Manawatū area commander Inspector Sarah Stewart told reporters today.

Police are still hunting for Wiremu Eparaima, Te Wera Hemara and Emmanuel Witana, who escaped while being placed in transport at Levin District Court about 5.40pm when a fourth man restrained a police officer, allowing the trio to flee.

A man is appearing in court charged with aggravated assault and assisting an escape following the incident yesterday.